Edward Assie

February 12, 2021. Edward is survived by the love of his life, his wife Carol of 51 years,

and their three sons: Joe (Kelly, grandchildren Amber, Abbey, Michael, Jaime), Mark

(Deanna, grandchildren Jade, Raechel, Isabelle) and Aaron.

Born in 1943 to Joseph and Adele Assie, Edward was the eldest in a family of

7 children. His siblings were Florence, Shirley, George, Leona, Gil and Arlene.

He grew up in Viscount, SK, learning from his parents his formidable work ethic, his

ability to fix anything, his love for, and dedication to family.

In his early years, Edward worked closely with his father whom was a mechanic by

trade at the family owned automobile and farm equipment dealership as well as on

the family farm at Viscount Sk.

Edward went to school at the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, SK for a

time, and then on to the University of Ottawa where he earned a Bachelor of Education

degree. He landed his first teaching position in Elrose, SK. It was while Edward was in

school at Athol Murray College that he met his “one and everything,” a beautiful nursing

student, Carol Telfer at a New Year’s Dance in Watrous Sk.

Edward and Carol made their first home in Melfort Sk where Carol worked as a public

health nurse and Edward as a teacher. Edward established the first co-operative

school-work program in Melfort. He went on to teach junior high school and finished his

teaching career as an Industrial Arts teacher. It was during this time that Edward and

Carol raised their three sons, Joe, Mark and Aaron through their public-school years.

Edwards experience working with his father in his early years combined with the skills

he learned as an Industrial Arts teacher provided the knowledge needed to be a true

“jack of all trades.” Edward was never afraid to take on a large project. He built his

family’s home on an acreage in Melfort, the family’s cabin at Manitou beach and all

kinds of farm equipment such as drill transports, sprayers and earth movers.

While teaching in Melfort, Edward and Carol bought a quarter section of farmland at

Clavet. It was here over several years that they planned and built their second home

and family farm operation. Edward eventually retired from teaching and moved to

Clavet permanently and it was here where Carol, Edward and their three sons

worked and lived together on the farm for many years. Like his father, Edward taught

his sons many of the skills that he had learned, and they now use in their careers.

While Edward liked teaching, he loved family and farming more. The family farm gave

them the opportunity to work together and to live the lifestyle that Carol and he loved so

much. It was at their farm that the family would frequently gather to live life, celebrate

milestones and be together – like the family’s legendary July 1st, Canada Day

celebrations complete with fireworks and wiener roast.

If Ed was not in the field or off travelling, you could usually find him in his shop where

he spent many hours either fixing or building something new. There wasn’t anything he

couldn’t take apart, and most times, he could also manage putting it back together

again, good, or better than new. What many did not know was that he had many other

talents, a great singing voice, could play the guitar, ukulele, piano and accordion,

almost all of which had been self-taught. He also had a passion for fishing, hunting and

studying history.

Edward loved camping, travelling, visiting family and friends and exploring new places.

Edward and Carol travelled every province and many US states with their trailer along

for the adventure. He would keep his family and friends abreast of these adventures

with long email notes that were always entertaining. Edward could spin a story into an

epic tale, weaving interesting stories with educational facts to enlighten and engage his

readers.

In Edward’s later years, he and Carol became “snowbirds”, spending winters in warmer

climates like Mexico, Arizona, California and Texas. Ed enjoyed a good dance, seeing

all the sites, music shows and the occasional happy hour. Edward and Carol met many

new friends on these trips, and he made a point of keeping in touch with them by

phone, e-mail and an occasional visit.

Edward lived a life without regrets. He felt for the time and money he possessed, he and

Carol managed to do everything he’d ever wanted to, and more. He was especially

proud of his three sons and was very thankful that Carol and he were blessed with their

kids and grandkids living and growing up with them in the same community.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Saskatchewan

Cancer Agency. The family wishes to thank Saskatoon Home Care, Saskatoon Cancer Centre

and Dr Joseph Balaton for the assistance and care they have provided to Edward and his family.

No funeral service will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a future

date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mandi Wersh of Acadia-McKague’s Funeral

Centre.